Talented Seasiders On Track To Seize PacWest Crown
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usThe Brigham Young University-Hawaii men’s basketball team’s base may be Laie, but its ultimate destination is Springfield, Mass., site of the NCAA Division II National Championships in mid-March.
The Seasiders, who won the PacWest last season, have come within a game of making the main site of the tournament each of the last three years, only to lose heartbreakers to Cal Poly Pomona. As BYUH begins what could be a historic season, MidWeek’s Windward Islander breaks down the Seasider schedule.
Att aa Glance: BYUH went 22-6 overall (14-2 in the PacWest; 1st) last season and advanced to the NCAA DII West Regional Final (or Sweet Sixteen) where they lost 78-75 to Cal Poly Pomona.
Didd Youu Know?? BYUH is 27-1 at the Cannon Activities Center over the past two seasons. They are scheduled to play 13 games at home this season, beginning Nov. 26 and 27 against Oakland City (Ind.).
Starr Watch:: While all-everything Lucas Alves has completed his eligibility, the team is not short on difference-makers. Back in the fold are two of the most exciting players to pass through the program - Jet Chang and Marques Whippy.
The 2008-09 PacWest Freshman of the Year, Chang did not appear on the NCAA or PacWest stat charts last year because he played in just 17 games because of an injury. His impact was undeniable, however, after averaging 19.2 points per contest. He shot 53.1 percent (121 for 228) from the field and was an AllPacWest Second Team selection. He was recently picked as pre-season Player of the Year.
Whippy had a great debut, scoring 17 points to go with 11 rebounds in the Seasiders’ exhibition game against BYU in Provo. He averaged 11.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per contest last season while shooting 57.5 percent (126 for 219) from the floor - third best in the PacWest for the year. An AllPacWest Second Team choice two seasons ago, Whippy made the jump to First Team last year.
Newcomerr too Watch:: Former Kahuku standout Junior Ale. The 6-foot-2 Ale played for BYUH as a freshman in 2007-08 before departing on his mission. He figures to be a major contributor and was in the Seasiders’ starting lineup when they opened against BYU in Provo Nov. 5.
Mustt Seee Gamee I: At home versus Grand Canyon March 2. The Antelopes finished just four points below BYUH in the preseason vote on PacWest champion, so the consensus is that Grand Canyon is poised to build on last year’s 10-6 league finish. The Seasiders will have to visit the ‘Lopes for a game in Phoenix Jan. 29 for what could be among their toughest road tests. This game at home is a must-win for BYUH.
Mustt Seee Gamee II:: At home versus HPU Jan. 22. Who can forget the last time the teams met at Cannon Activities Center? It was last Jan. 23 when BYUH trailed for most of the game before toppling the Seariders 89-88. While HPU is a bit of a mystery team with 14 new players on its roster, history says this should be a great matchup.
Mustt Seee Roadd Game:: At Chaminade March 5. This is always a tough road game and should be again with the Silverswords among the most talented teams in the conference. As this game closes out the PacWest slate, and comes only three days after the equally critical game with Grand Canyon, there should be a lot on the line for BYUH.
Gamee too bee onn Upset-alertt For: At home versus Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) Jan. 4. This game marks the Seasiders’ first game in 18 days following winter break, so there’s potential for some “game-day” rust. Olivet Nazarene is a solid program with 15 appearances in the NAIA post-season tournament since 1989. The bulk of the Tigers’ roster consists of homegrown talent, as eight members of the current team hail from Chicago-area high schools.
Fearlesss Prediction:: The Seasiders will tie with Chaminade for the Pacific West conference championship. As for the post-season, after three straight Sweet 16 appearances in the NCAA Division II Tournament, look for the team to break through and go a step further, advancing to the Elite Eight in Springfield.
Contact Jack Danilewicz at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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